While most people see a Will as just a tool for distributing their assets, they can capture personal, and sometimes surprising, final wishes. From millionaire dogs to ashes in Pringles cans, this article explores some of the unexpected ways people have used their Wills and why it can be worth thinking beyond the basics to ensure your estate planning covers all of your wishes.
Providing for a pet: did you know that you can leave money for your pet in your Will? They cannot be a beneficiary, but you can leave a sum of money to a person to use for your pet. Just like businesswoman Leona Helmsley who left her dog “Trouble” $12 million! You can also include instructions as to who you would like to take care of your pet, ensuring they are well cared for following your passing.
Uncommon burial wishes: while most people opt for a standard burial or cremation, there are other options available to you. It is possible to have your remains turned into fireworks and set them off at your funeral! Your remains can also be turned into a diamond, so your loved ones can hold onto this precious stone.
Odd celebrity wishes: celebrity Wills account for many odd and surprising wishes, dating back to important historical figures too.
Napolean Bonaparte’s Will directed that his head was to be shaved, and his hair distributed among his friends.
Famous magician and escape artist Harry Houdini instructed that his wife should hold a séance every Halloween after his death in an attempt to communicate with him using code words.
The creator of the Pringles can Fred Baur wished for his ashes to be buried in a Pringles can, honouring his invention.
Shakespeare interestingly left his “second best bed” to his wife Anne Hathaway.
Portuguese Aristocrat Luis Carlos de Noronha Cabral de Camara had no relatives or friends he wished to leave his fortune to, so he randomly chose 70 strangers out of a phone book to receive his estate.
Janis Joplin left $2,500 specifically to be used to hold a party following her death.
These unusual requests serve as a reminder of the importance of completing your Will and updating it when needed to ensure your wishes are followed as closely as possible. While your wishes may not be quite as unusual as the ones listed above, it is good to consider different things you may want to include in your Will. Along with how you would like your assets distributed, consider the following:
Do you wish for your organs to be donated?
Do you wish for your body to be donated to science?
Do you have special jewellery or collectibles you wish to gift to a particular person?
Where would you like your remains to be placed or your ashes scattered?
Who would you like to be the guardian of your children?
Are there any charities you would like to donate some of your estate to?
Do you have any specific wishes for your funeral? This could be for example, holding a modest funeral, or no flowers or specific flowers being used. While this wish won’t be legally binding, it is a good way to convey to your family and friends how you wish for your funeral to happen.
This article is general in nature and is not intended to be tailored legal advice. If you do not have a Will or your circumstances have changed since you last made one, contact our office today.
